Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services to provide leadership for financial aid operations and guidance to advisors and staff. The role includes advising students/parents on federal, state, and institutional aid, and supervising award processes.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 5 years of professional experience, with some travel and occasional evening/weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.
• Preferred: Prior experience working in Student Financial Aid.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and parents regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid during the lifecycle of the aid process.
• Assist with financial aid application processing, award calculations, and revisions.
• Maintain current knowledge of student information and aid processing systems (e.g., Banner/NSLDS).
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of student data and ensure security of records.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to advisors and staff; lead reporting for Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Public speaking

Deadline management

Attention to detail

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15702P

Working Title: Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

Department: VPI-Student Financial Aid

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) manages and executes the financial aid operations, programs, and processes for the campus. OSFA oversees the administration of federal, state,
and institutional aid provided to the UGA student body. With approximately 42 employees OSFA has responsibility for all financial aid received by the UGA student body in the form of grants,
scholarships, loans, and work programs. OSFA annually administers in excess of $500 million in student financial aid for UGA students.

College/Unit/Department website: https://osfa.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Some evening or weekend hours may be needed. Some travel needed.

Advertised Salary: Up To $57,145

Posting Date: 09/02/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Financial Aid Advisor III

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience working in Student Financial Aid

Position Summary: Provides leadership to and routinely assists Financial Aid Advisors and support staff in accomplishing their daily responsibilities. Serves as authority for satisfactory academic progress appeals and manages reports on potential changes in student eligibility. Advises students and parents regarding federal, state and institutional aid in an accurate and efficient manner, and assists with related financial aid application processes. Awards, cancels and revises financial aid awards based on office policies and procedures, and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Remains current on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong customer service and public speaking skills
• Work effectively under pressure of deadlines and complex regulatory environment.
• Acute attention to details and deadlines.
• Multi-task with high levels of accuracy.
• Mentor and train new or entry-level employees.

Physical Demands

• Climb stairs.
• Lift up to 30 pounds or more
• Sitting for extended periods of time doing computer work.
• Some evening and weekend work

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Percentage of time: 30

• Advise accurately and efficiently students and parents who call, visit, or email the office regarding financial aid information and processes throughout lifecycle of financial aid application through receipt of aid funds and after.
• Provide assistance to students, families, and colleagues in completing financial aid application processes.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of relevant student information and financial aid processing systems.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of student and family data and information.
• Maintain security of student records and related information.

Percentage of time: 20

• Accurately awards and revises student financial aid in accordance with federal, state and university policies and procedures.
• Remains current regarding federal, state and university regulations, policies and procedures concerning financial aid related matters.
• Monitors relevant systems (e.g., BANNER and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)) for changes to students' federal aid eligibility and revise or cancel financial aid awards.
• Reconciles award discrepancies with Student Accounts and works with UGA departments as needed to resolve financial aid related issues.
• Adhere to all statutory, regulatory, and policy guidance, including office policies and procedures.

Percentage of time: 35

• Provides professional leadership to the office by assigning and monitoring the completion of designated reports in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures; ensures all report procedures are created and kept current.
• Monitors and assists colleagues in analyzing reports that identify student records that may require award or eligibility adjustments (e.g., not enrolled, enrolled less than half-time, change in graduation date, etc.).
• Assists new or entry-level staff in accurately interpreting the necessary action required to work the reports and that they are worked in a timely manner. Serves as a mentor in training new employees with respect to student and program eligibility, award revisions, reports, clear documentation and complex advising circumstances.
• Serves as office lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.
• Routinely conducts random checks of worked reports for accuracy.

Percentage of time: 5

• Collaborates with other employees and serves on office committees regarding policy, procedures, and training opportunities.
• Participates in approved training and professional development activities in coordination with supervisor.
• Assists with presentations and financial aid outreach events, delivering information and responding to questions accurately, timely, and professionally.
• Assists in training new employees (permanent and temporary, including interns and graduate assistants).

Percentage of time: 10

• Provides clear and accurate documentation of transactions, conversations, interactions, and edits to records affecting student eligibility and/or compliance with applicable regulations, statutes, and/or policies.
• Provides backup assistance for office reception duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include working in other areas of the office.